Avalanche Level 2 for Rescue Personnel @ Whiteface NY 2024

4-Day Course

Prerequisite:  Students must have completed NSP Avalanche Level 1 for 

Rescue Personnel or equivalent 

AVALANCHE LEVEL TWO — Whiteface Mountain Ski Area and UAlbany’s Atmospheric Sciences and Research Center (ASRC) provides premier terrain and classroom space for advanced avalanche courses.  Our long-term partnership with these two venues gives students easy access to Whiteface Mt. and its slides.  Also, the ASRC has been taking metrological measurements since 1961 making its home base, Marble Mountain Lodge, the perfect classroom for snow science and weather talks, and the perfect launch pad for local backcountry tours. This Level 2 Avalanche Course builds upon the skills and knowledge gained in the Level 1 Avalanche class.  We will dive deeper into snow science, weather, trip planning, snow pit study and stability tests.  Your beacon skills and rescue organization will be added to and tested.  This class is great preparation for those planning on taking an Avalanche Pro-1 course.  Anyone with aspirations of being an avalanche professional, a patroller in avalanche-prone terrain or who spends a lot of time in the backcountry should sign up now!

The Eastern Division Level 2 Avalanche Course is scheduled for four full days, running Thursday February 29th 2024, through Sunday March 3rd 2024, at the Atmospheric Science Research Center and Whiteface Mountain, NY. Participants should plan to check into their hotels no later than Wednesday evening. The purpose of the LEVEL TWO course is to help prepare patrollers and backcountry users for all aspects of avalanche hazard evaluation and rescue operations.

This course requires some learning and review on NSP East’s online classroom called Moodle School before the field sessions begin. Thursday morning is spent in the classroom with presentations from industry experts.  The rest of the class is spent in the field working on all aspects or your avalanche practical skills.

Accommodations for students are not provided.  Lunches are not provided. Expect to eat lunch in the field.  Even though we may use the facilities and lifts of the ASRC and Whiteface Ski Area most of our time will be spent in the backcountry touring to and working in avalanche terrain.  There will be no restrooms or warming huts available for the destinations we will be touring to.

Prerequisites include an Avalanche Level One course with rescue component and ICS 100, 700, & 200 within the last three years (allowance made for covid delayed students). Winter backcountry skiing or split board riding experience, with proper outdoor clothing, along with strong skiing skills, are essential. You must be able to ski/ride the black diamond terrain at Whiteface. Interested participants should understand that outdoor fieldwork is done in a winter mountain environment, which involves physical exertion and sustained exposure to winter elements and hazards. Interested participants with physical or medical restrictions must consider these factors before applying.

Attendance is limited, so sign up early! For information, Email the Avalanche Program Supervisor.

This course requires additional costs for lodging and accommodations during the four-day stay, and it is recommended that all student check in to their hotel by Wednesday morning.  Register early; there is a limited number students..   Additional information about Moodle School will arrive by email; your slot in the course is only assured after payment is confirmed.